Page 89 of The Catalyst

“What is going on?” I ask the only one still standing in front of me.

He doesn’t answer me though. Instead, he hands me a clipboard and a pen. “Just sign and I can get everything brought inside.”

I’m getting pissed. Is everyone incapable of answering a simple fucking question?

I look down at the clipboard and when my eyes scan the document in my hand, my heart races.

This man is delivering furniture and appliances and…the one who paid for all of it was Martin and my name is listed as the recipient.

Then, I look at the papers the other guys handed to me and my heart clinches. He paid for the electricity and the water to be turned on.

He didn’t have to do this. He has no responsibility to me and yet he did.

I quickly sign the paper and walk inside, leaving the door open for the rude delivery man. I go in search of my phone and find it across the room from where I was sleeping, still in the spot I kicked it to. I pick up the device, swipe away all the notifications of calls and texts from any of the Bastards or my friends from Grove Hill. Then, I find Martin’s contact and send him a text.

Beth:

You know, a warning would’ve been much appreciated.

I move to tuck my phone in my pocket, but then it vibrates in my hand. I pull it back to look and see a response from him and a new text from the biggest back-stabber in Grove Hill.

Oliver:

Will you give me some kind of a response? I just want to know you’re safe.

Fuck you, asshole.

Then, I look at Martin’s message.

Martin:

Why did I expect a “thank you” from you? Silly me.

I roll my eyes and huff from the sarcastic message. Maybe I am being a little defensive. He didn’t have to do this, but he did. He helped me and I don’t think he did it for any ulterior motive.

I can’t say the same for anyone who has ever done anything for me before, except maybe my dad, but that’s to be expected of a parental figure.

Not an acquaintance.

Because that’s exactly what Martin is. He’s not my enemy, but he’s not my friend either.

Beth:

Didn’t I say that? That text did include the word “appreciated”, didn’t it?

Martin:

Is it really that difficult for you? Here, I’ll start for you: “Thank you, Martin. I am so grateful that I won’t have to sleep on the floor tonight.” Aw, shucks, little rabbit. You didn’t have to.

I can’t help laughing at his antics and a flush rises up my cheeks as the movers move in and out of the house, but my focus is completely on my phone.

Beth:

Who says I slept on the floor?

Martin:

Logic would dictate such a conclusion since people empty out a house when they move out. I doubt there was an air mattress hiding in a closet. The stuff would’ve arrived yesterday, but O’Reilly and Oliver made a very rude interruption to interrogate me about your location.

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